January 2011 Archive for Livestock Today

On Wednesday, I am scheduled to sit down with Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). While the details are not final as of yet, I hope to ask him about HSUS actions in Missouri (if you remember, Mo. Prop. B passed in November), and future plans for the organization nationwide in regards to animal agriculture.

Cattlemen and women won’t want to miss the 18th annual Cattlemen’s College at the 2011 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Denver, Colo., starting Feb. 2.

Cattlemen’s College is a tremendous opportunity for all segments of the cattle industry to gain knowledge on the new ideas and technologies available to improve profitability. This day-long event offers 20 sessions that cover all aspects of cattle production and marketing.

Which ones do you think Beef Today editor Kim Watson-Potts and I should attend? We’ll report back to you on the most popular topics during the convention with a summary of the presentation. Comment below with the number of the session and be entered to win Baxter Black’s “On Iowa Public Television” and “Live on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” DVD combo. One entry per person, please.

7:30 am to 9:00 am

Fundamentals of Genetics and DNA Technology. Overview of the historical perspective of genetic evaluation and progress, review genetic principles, and introduce the functional use of genomics information in the cattle industry.

Is it Time to Implement an AI Program? Things to know and do before starting a synchronization program, reasonable expectations and basic implementation. Understand the influence of cow factors such as age, body condition and calving date.

Preventing Lameness. This session will focus on lameness prevention, the impact of lameness on animal performance and profitability, and the use of lameness scoring criteria to help diagnose and treat feet and leg problems. Improved stockmanship and profitability are key elements of this session.

Business Strategies for Cattle Producers. Making decisions about herd expansion, incorporating new members of the family into the business, and assessing opportunities. This session will examine the key decision influencers in an engaging format about building effective business strategies for these chaotic times.

Managing for Quality – A Supply Chain Approach. Management decisions made early in an animal’s life and then throughout its lifespan may impact the final value of beef products. Learn effective strategies to minimize quality defects, to improve value, and to work with multiple sectors of the beef industry to grow beef demand.

Environmental Issues. Increase your knowledge about environmental issues confronting the beef industry as well as proposed environmental regulations that may impact future profitability of your business. Grow your understanding of how environmental regulations become law and how cattle producers can impact the process.

9:15 am to 10:45 am

DNA Applications for Genetic Improvement. Overview of the role of DNA technology in the beef supply chain, integration of DNA information into genetic evaluation, and using genomics to improve cattle breeding decisions.

Managing Market Risk. Market risk continues to be an issue as economic uncertainty creates significant fluctuation in the price of beef, cattle and inputs. Learn strategies for dealing with these risks and to create a layer of protection around your business’s bottom-line.

Financing in the Age of Uncertainty. Learn how to more effectively communicate with lenders, understand the impact of recent federal mandates on the banking industry, and explore how to access capital under these new conditions.

Building Relationships and Telling the Beef Story. Whether in one-to-one conversations with consumers, chefs, retailers, or school children, effective communication about beef producers and beef production can go a long way in improving perceptions about the beef business. Learn from a variety of industry led programs that engage people in the beef story.

Working with Energy Companies. Multiple-use of landscape creates the need for building effective working relationships with other commercial uses. Developing strategies to manage resources in situations where energy development is involved is critical to assure successful management of the ranch/farm enterprise. Developing a positive working relationship is important to minimize litigation and to assure satisfactory outcomes.

Cen’s College PLUS

11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Commercial DNA Application and Producer Insights. Learn about the use of genomics to improve supply chain performance, the role of genome-assisted management in improving profitability and gain the perspective from producers who have begun to utilize genomic information within their beef cattle enterprises.

Beyond AI, Implementation of Emerging Reproductive Strategies. Once a successful AI program is established, other advanced technologies such as sexed semen and embryo transfer can be considered. This session will look at guidelines and management suggestions for implementing these technologies.

The State of Antimicrobials in the Industry. The use of antimicrobials in the livestock industry has come under criticism from media, politicians and activist groups. Learn the facts about the use of antimicrobials in the U.S., the risk of microbial resistance and the impact of antibiotic bans on production systems in other parts of the world.

Multi-Generational Ranching. Family owned businesses have their challenges in good times but can undergo significant stress during challenging times. Learn from fellow farm and ranch families who operate cattle enterprises involving multiple generations. Explore strategies for improving communication, enhancing working relationships and bringing new people into the business.

Beef Trends and Trendsetters. Join this thought-provoking session to get the latest data on consumers’ beef buying patterns and expectations. Then listen as retail and foodservice trendsetters tell us how they are adapting the meat case and the menu to respond to these emerging signals.

Effective Working Relationships with Resource Agencies. Developing effective working relationships with agencies that have oversight responsibility for natural resources is important for cattle producers who deal with regulatory issues. Creating a fact based, important oriented approach is key to implementation of grazing management strategies. Producers can gain credibility and support of agency staff through documentation of grazing activities and utilization of monitoring data.

Cattlemen’s College Plus:

Stockmanship and Stewardship: Learn the principles of good stockmanship that can help lower operating costs, improve quality of life, and enhance profitability from these noted cattle handling experts. This demonstration based approach provides insight for both experienced and novice cattle owners. This session will provide valuable take home messages.

Reproductive Management Hands On: Get an up close look at the AI and Estrus Synchronization Process. Learn how much time and what it really takes to install CIDRS and to utilize AI mating. Learn about optimum body condition for breeding and basic equipment and facilities.